A violent killer broke down in tears as police arrested him for the brutal murder of his ex-partner, but his distress was not over his horrific crime. Instead, he was lamenting the fact he would miss the release of the latest Grand Theft Auto video game while serving his prison sentence.
Brutal Attack and Heartless Aftermath
Robert Richens, 35, has been sentenced to life behind bars with a minimum term of 16 years and one month for the murder of his former partner, 40-year-old Rachael Vaughan. The crime occurred at her home in Abingdon, Oxfordshire, on May 30, 2025. Following an argument, Richens subjected Ms Vaughan to a prolonged assault, inflicting at least 64 blows through punching, kicking, and stamping.
Judge Ian Pringle KC, during the sentencing last week, described the attack as brutal, noting that Richens caused several major rib fractures and a traumatic brain injury. After the violent act, Richens spent five hours in the victim's home, cleaning up her body, changing her clothes, and tidying the space before eventually calling the police.
Shocking Arrest Footage Reveals Priorities
Body camera footage from the arrest, shared by the Independent, captures Richens in tears, whining about missing the release of Grand Theft Auto 6. In the video, he says, "I'm gonna miss GTA." When an officer asks, "Which GTA, what are you talking about Robert?" Richens replies, "Six," to which the officer responds, "Oh you've got ages for that." Richens then cries, "I'm gonna get life. I can't get it out of my head… I could have went on the run."
This footage highlights the killer's apparent lack of remorse for his actions, focusing instead on trivial concerns related to his incarceration. Officers arrested Richens early on May 30, 2025, after he called police to confess, stating, "I accidentally killed her. At least I admitted to it." He pleaded guilty to one count of murder on June 1 last year.
Court Proceedings and Emotional Testimony
During the trial, Richens' call to the police was played in court. He said, "I thought I'd tell you something quite serious. What I'm about to tell you, I've done something quite serious. You're not going to believe it, I think I accidentally killed someone. She's just not moving. I'm being honest because I'm ashamed of what I've done, I thought I'd hand myself in."
He continued, "We had an argument. I think I just blacked out. I'm going to go to prison for life for this aren't I? I'm going to prison 100 per cent aren't I? I woke up and she was cold on the floor. I could have dismantled the body. I did not mean to kill this person, I did not mean to do it. I don't think I remember anything, I wish they'd ban alcohol. I'm scared."
Investigation and Sentencing Remarks
Senior investigating officer Detective Chief Inspector Stuart May commented on the case, stating, "Robert Richens' actions were heartless. He left Rachael alone in her house, made no attempt to help her or seek medical attention and he only contacted police when he had nowhere else to turn. Today's sentence means that Richens will now face the consequences of his merciless actions."
The sentencing ensures that Richens will spend a significant portion of his life in prison, reflecting the severity of his crime and the lack of empathy shown during and after the murder. This case has drawn attention not only for its violence but also for the disturbing priorities revealed by the killer during his arrest.
